The NBA Playoffs have (almost) arrived!
We’re still waiting for the No. 8 seeds in both conferences to be determined by Friday’s Play-In Tournament games, but in the meantime we can take an early look at the postseason matchups that have already been determined.
This week, I’m going to break down my favorite DraftKings Sportsbook bet for each established playoff series. Now, let’s dive into Knicks vs. 76ers.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
Place your NBA bets at DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
No. 2) Knicks vs. No. 7) 76ers
Series Winner: Knicks (-105)
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25406758/2084577185.jpg)
This line just feels a bit disrespectful.
The Knicks could have lost Sunday’s game to secure themselves a matchup with an “easier” first-round opponent in the Pacers, who in reality will likely be anything but easy for Milwaukee. Instead, they fought to grind out an overtime win against the Bulls in which four of their starters played at least 40 minutes. Donte DiVincenzo played 53!
That’s what this team is about. This year, they’ve accepted any challenge thrown their way. Jalen Brunson is a worthy MVP candidate. Josh Hart is the ultimate iron man (and maybe Thibs’ favorite player of all time). DiVincenzo has thrived in an expanded offensive role. OG Anunoby looks like a perfect addition to the core. Losing Julius Randle for the season could have been a dagger to the heart, but instead it looks like it has galvanized this group.
This squad has shown time and time again that you shouldn’t doubt them. And as a result, they check in as… underdogs? Against a 76ers team that looked horrible in their 7-8 Play-In game against Miami?
Look, I do understand the logic behind this line. The star power on these squads tilts firmly in favor of Philly, with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey posing serious problems for whoever suits up against them. That said, Embiid doesn’t appear to be anywhere close to MVP form. Philly’s offense has also simply been stagnant for weeks now, I’ve seen a dumbfounding amount of possessions that are just two guys passing back and forth before one of them takes a contested three.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are rolling. They closed the season on a five-game winning streak. Also, they dominated Philly throughout the course of the year. Three out of four meetings resulted in Knicks wins, and all three were by a margin of at least 14 points.
I believe the Knicks are going to win this series, and it could be in as few as five games.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25263747/IMG_9722.jpeg)
Bet at a top rated Sportsbook!
View the latest odds and bet online legally at a top rated Sportsbook! Place a bet now at DraftKings Sportsbook!*
*Odds and lines are for illustrative purposes only.
Place your NBA bets at DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
The contents contained in this article do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment.
